Longyearbyen Weather in June

June: midnight light

June feels cold, damp and often cloudy, even though summer has arrived. Daytime highs average 3°C, with lows near 1°C. Rain falls on about 11 days, and the sun shines for around five hours a day despite 24-hour daylight. You can wander around town late without losing the light, but wet ground and low cloud can make views less dramatic.

Town museums and guided boat trips are good choices when the weather turns. Hiking can be rewarding, but some routes may still have snow or muddy patches. Don't expect a warm beach day or clear mountain views every time.

Events and busy days

The Spitsbergen Marathon is held in Longyearbyen in June, bringing runners and visitors to town. Midsummer also feels unusual here: the sun stays above the horizon, so your body may not know when it's bedtime.

If you hate crowds, June isn't the quietest month. It's part of the short summer high season, and visitor demand can push prices above those in the darker winter months. July is also a busy summer month, while May is colder and wetter.

Make the most of your visit

The long daylight makes it easier to fit in a town walk, museum visit and boat outing without watching the clock. Still, cloud cover is common, so keep a town-based option for days when the scenery disappears.

Travelling with kids? The Svalbard Museum is a useful stop when rain makes outdoor plans less appealing. For a hike beyond Longyearbyen, arrange a local guide rather than setting off alone: polar bears roam outside town, and the landscape can be hard to read. That's especially worth remembering on the route toward Platåfjellet, where snow and soft ground can slow you down.